As the role of architects and designers evolve and take on many new facets, one thing remains constant: Design does matter. Design has been the quintessential element that has defined our professions since Vitruvius' writing, to Palladio and Brunelleschi's formal chiasm from master builder to architect, to present day. Design is intertwined in individuals' psyche, from the human condition, to our spirit. Intuitively, we architects and designers understand the psychological effects of light, space, form and color and their impact on people.

One of our roles – and one of our foremost responsibilities – is to educate the public and, maybe more importantly, our clients, to the fact that good design does good! A well-executed design can provide economic benefits to our clients. Many of the benefits our designs provide enhance the quality of life, which further better society as a whole.

The quality of our communities should also be at the forefront of architects thinking. The image of our cities, as Kevin Lynch said , “ is to be remembered, and to delight in. Giving visual form to the city is a special kind of design … ” Due to the quality of life Northern Nevada offers, our region has experienced expansive growth. This growth underpins the need for good design and planning. It is for these reasons that we showcase good design as examples of what our cities image can be. We celebrate the design professions, and what we have to offer in the creation of this image.

Promoting architecture and design in the public eye elevates the civic awareness as to the role we provide in our communities. It is through these types of venues that we showcase our values and how architects and designers make positive contributions to the human condition. I hope you share this view with me and participate in this meaningful and rewarding program.

Richard Licata's Biography